How to Know if my Dog Has a Flea Allergy
Do you think your dog may be suffering from some kind of skin allergy? One of the most common allergic conditions among pets is flea allergy dermatitis. This is a hypersensitive reaction to certain proteins contained in flea saliva that will cause bothersome symptoms such as itching, very intense redness and sores on the skin, among others.
In this OneHowTo article we'll explain how to know if my dog has a flea allergy and what to do about it.
While fleas are usually present almost all year round, it is in the warmer seasons when their effects are more evident. It will probably be in spring or summer when you most notice the symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis in your dog.
If your pet suffers from this reaction it will be in great, noticeable discomfort and it will feel very uncomfortable. In this article we will highlight the signs that will indicate that your pet may have this problem. Some may be related to other diseases, so pay attention.
One of the most obvious signs of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs is intense itching. It is accompanied by the appearance of red spots, wounds and scabs in the crotch area, ears, neck, face, axilla and the spaces between the pads of the paws.
Another symptom of flea allergic dermatitis is moderate alopecia and skin blemishes. If the disease becomes chronic, secondary lesions can occur in the same parts of your dog's body. Ailments such as conjunctivitis, bacterial infections, hematoma in the ears and otitis can interact with a flea allergy.
Faced with these prospects, dogs that have allergic reactions to fleas suffer greatly. Aside from the physical symptoms, you will notice your pet is sadder, overwhelmed, anxious, nervous, irritable and listless. It will have much less desire to play, will struggle to sleep and will not be comfortable in hardly any position.
If you dismiss these signals as normal, your dog's quality of life will be seriously affected. If you notice any of these listed symptoms you must get treatment for your pet as soon as possible. Go to the veterinarian for a check up and to receive advice.
The treatment for flea allergy dermatitis in dogs is not easy. There are products that serve to prevent infestations of these insects, but even if you use them your dog might still be a victim of bites. As it is the saliva of the insect that causes the allergy, it is a very complex problem to treat.
There are pipettes that are ideal for the prevention and treatment of fleas. Within 24 hours of application they kill all the insects including the flea that bit it. Moreover, this solution indirectly reduces the risk of disease transmission from infected ticks for 1 month. In the following article you can see tips on how to apply dog pipettes.
Besides the pipettes, it is advisable to treat the symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis in your dog with a recommended diet as advised by your vet. This way, you'll prevent itching and all the associated consequences for dogs with atopic dermatitis. It may be that in severe cases where the dog is in much pain from itching the veterinarian will administer corticosteroids.
In the end it is up to you to take your dog to the vet should any of these allergic reactions occur in order to keep your pet from suffering the consequences by administering a suitable treatment for its case.
This is how to know if my dog has a flea allergy and how to treat it.
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